The latest statistics on gaming reveal that there are 3.3 billion active video gamers globally, with billions of dollars worth of revenue being generated by social gaming. Games involving social interaction are far from a Gen-Z phenomenon, with research indicating that social games appeal to a wide range of age groups, from the ages of 13 to 46 years and above. There are no secrets as to why gamers tend to flock to communities where they can meet and interact with others who share their interests. Gaming triggers the release of dopamine (a feel-good neurotransmitter) in the brain, and it provides gamers with stress relief and the chance to interact with others while enjoying an exciting day’s play. Not all communities are alike, though. Some foster friendship more than others, so if you’re an avid gamer wishing to form a social network, it is vital to choose games and platforms with specific characteristics.
Findings on E-Sports Clans
A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior has found that social gaming can foster both online and offline social support. The study, which focused on e-sports clans, in which teams are formed for competitive gaming, found that three factors determine the extent to which gaming results in friendship initiation and consolidation. The first of these is physical proximity—the number of real-life encounters that players have. The second is social proximity—the degree of gamers’ involvement in group administration. The third is familiarity—the frequency with which players meet up. The stronger each of these factors was, the more likely it was for players to build authentic, meaningful friendships with each other.
Popular Social Games
The current gaming scene provides players with numerous opportunities to work on tasks and compete in teams. Just a few include multiplayer games like Among Us (in which players have to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify the impostor among them), Minecraft (in which players build and explore virtual worlds together), and Fortnite (which allows players to form squads that compete against other teams). Many adult players are also creating teams to play card games like poker, with online casino reviews and forums revealing the existence of a lively hub of players who share strategies, news, and humorous content. Players who form competitive teams often contact each other offline, occasionally meeting to discuss strategies or simply interact socially.
Catering to Different Personalities
A second study, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking revealed that not all gamers use social gaming platforms in the same way. For instance, emotionally sensitive players use these spaces to increase the size of their social circle, since they tend to have smaller friendship circles and less social support than more extroverted players. They are also using online games as a means to consolidate existing friendships due to the considerable social flexibility and social accommodation provided by these platforms.
Social gaming has transformed the gaming landscape, offering players a unique combination of entertainment, social interaction, and community building. Research shows that factors such as physical and social proximity play key roles in fostering these bonds. Studies also indicate that not all players rely on social gaming for the same reasons, though all enjoy the chance to interact with new and existing friends alike.
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